A TRIPLE challenge has been thrown down to athletes who think they are up to one of sport's most gruelling events.

Salford will host the national triathlon championships - and the sport, which made its Olympic debut last year against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, will be held in and around Salford Quays.

It will be an August 12 practice run for the same event at Manchester's 2002 Commonwealth Games, with athletes completing a 1,500m swim in the now-clean Dock 9, followed by a 40km bicycle ride and a 10km run.

More than 1,000 competitors from all over the world are expected and two free events have been lined up to get local entrants in shape.

Last year, a triathlon organised by Salford was staged for the first time at the Quays, attracting 450 competitors.

A training day will be held at the David Lloyd Health Club, Trafford Park, from 9am to 4.30pm on Sunday April 29 and a briefing session will be held at The Lowry at 6pm on May 21.

Canadian Olympic gold medal winner Simon Whitfield and the Team England Triathlon Squad are being lined up to take part.

The event is being organised by Salford city council, with support from Trafford council, Manchester 2002 and the British Triathlon Association.

Salford's Arts and Leisure chief, Coun Keith Mann, said: ''Salford Quays provides a superb location for triathlon competition. With the setting of The Lowry, Old Trafford and the Lowry footbridge - hopefully glistening in the sunshine - Britain has found a rival to the stunning backdrop of Sydney.''

For information and to book a place athletes should phone 0161-743-0576.